Points-Based Immigration System

Tier 1

For working in the UK only nationals of countries outside the European economic area (EEA) and Switzerland need apply for one of the following categories.

Investor, entrepreneur, graduate entrepreneur, exceptional talent, general (now closed to new applicants) and post-study work (now closed to new applicants).

Tier 2

This category is for foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.

Primarily for ‘skilled workers’ outside the EU who have been further split into four categories, Tier 2 (general), Intra-company transfers which could apply to you if you are employed by a multi-national company outside the UK which has a UK branch, Sports-persons or Ministers of Religion.

Tier 4

Tier 4 and short-term study visas enable students from outside the eea – either children or adults – to come to the UK for school study, college or university study or short courses. Visitor visa holders are also allowed – in some circumstances – to study short courses.

Tier 4 General Student Visa

Tier 4 Child Student Visa

Short-Term Study Visa

Tier 5

Temporary worker – creative and sporting

The creative and sporting worker category is for people coming to the UK to work or perform as sports people, entertainers or creative artists for up to 12 months.

This is a points based system in which applicants must score a total of 40 points.

Temporary worker – charity workers

The charity worker category is for people coming to the UK to do voluntary (unpaid) work for a charity. The work must be directly related to the work of your sponsor’s organisation. This is a points based system in which applicants must score a total of 40 points.

Temporary worker – religious workers

The religious worker category is for people coming to the UK to work temporarily as a religious worker.

This is a points based system in which the applicants must score a total of 40 points.

Temporary worker – youth mobility scheme

The youth mobility scheme is for young people from participating countries and territories who want to come and experience life in the UK. Every year the UK government allocates a number of places on the scheme for each country and territory.